Photos That Prove Tokyo Is Basically The Future
Japan is a place that a lot of people have on their bucket list—and with good reason. It's beautiful, has a rich culture, and is packed with things you wouldn't see anywhere else in the world. One of the coolest things about going to Japan is how futuristic it seems.
Every Bathroom Needs This
![bathroom public bathroom has a privacy button that plays music](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-1-13876.jpg?width=800&height=801)
These washrooms have tiny speakers that you can use to get some privacy if you're a little stall shy. It plays music so that no one can hear you doing your business.
You Can Get Ramen From A Vending Machine
![vending machine a ramem vending machine](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-2-59354.jpg?width=800&height=801)
In fact, you can get a lot out of a vending machine, like bananas, umbrellas, and even electronics and clean underwear. Apparently, the ramen in the vending machine is pretty good.
Isn't That Beautiful?
![manhole customized manhole cover for each locality in Japan](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-3-18720.jpg?width=800&height=801)
Japan has manholes that are custom-designed for each of Japan's localities. It's an amazing way to remember where you are and be able to take cute pictures to post on your Instagram.
A Button For All Taxies
![turtle a button you can press to tell the driver to slow down](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-4-75134.jpg?width=800&height=801)
This little turtle taxi button is a polite way to let the driver know that they're driving a bit too quickly for your liking. All the taxies in the world could use these.
You Can Get Clear Everything
![clear a clear latte](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-5-11517.jpg?width=800&height=801)
Clear lattes, clear pop, even clear beer! I wonder what it tastes like? Do you think it tastes like a latte? How do they get it to be clear? There are so many questions!
A Genius Invention
![toilet bathroom has a sign that shows you which stalls are being used](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-533-70136.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This light-up sign actually shows you which stalls in the bathroom are available and which aren't. That way, you don't have to go pushing on doors or peeking under them for shoes.
Would You Look At That
![train train that is super clean](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/train-88812.jpg?width=800&height=533)
The trains in Japan are crazy clean, like, cleaner than the ones in New York or Toronto have probably ever been. How refreshing would that be if you saw it?
A Little Extra Encouragement
![stairs stairs that tell you how many calories you burn walking up them](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/stairs-55973.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Most of the stairs in Japan have little stickers on them that show how many calories you've burned as you were walking up the stairs. It adds a bit of extra encouragement for those who don't take the elevator.
How Cute!
![robots a robot restaurant that has a cute little parade](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-59155.jpg?width=800&height=801)
They have tons of themed restaurants like this robot one that has a cute little parade every day. It's fun to feel fully immersed in your dining experience, don't you think?
Strawberries And Cream? Yes Please
![strawberries a strawberries and cream sandwich](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-6-77697.jpg?width=800&height=801)
This is the kind of food that you can get at a convenience store in Tokyo. The store is called Lawsons, and it's famous for its sandwiches and cute snacks.
Who Wouldn't Love This?
![wipe a wipe to clean your phone](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-7-76821.jpg?width=800&height=801)
All over the city, they have little stations set up where you can clean your phone! It will help keep you and the ones around you healthy. Plus, who doesn't love a clean, sparkly phone?
You Can Never Be Too Careful
![elevator an elevator with an emergency toilet](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-8-32103.jpg?width=800&height=801)
These elevators in this building have tiny emergency toilets to use in case the elevators ever stop working and you have to go. Saves everyone a lot of mess and embarrassment.
These Are Adorable
![piggy Piggy ice cream cone](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-9-92243.jpg?width=800&height=801)
There are lots of adorable little treats that you can get, like these piggy ice cream cone treats. They put a lot of effort into the presentation of their products.
Who Wouldn't Love This?
![juice box alcohol served in a juice box](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-10-64157.jpg?width=800&height=801)
These are tiny alcoholic beverages in containers like juice boxes. You can enjoy an after-work drink while also remembering your childhood all at once. Seems like a fun idea, doesn't it?
This Is Genius
![luggage airport arranged luggage by color](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-533-1-28067.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This airport in Japan likes to organize all the suitcases they've taken off the plane by color so that they are neat and easy to find. Plus, you'll know exactly where to look for yours.
Every Restaurant Should Have These
![umbrellas an umbrella locker](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-533-2-79203.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This restaurant has an umbrella locker that you can leave your umbrella at instead of having to take it in with you and get another seat or make your feet super wet.
Something For Everyone
![mall mall has a rollercoaster on it](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/mall-87978.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This mall has a roller coaster on the roof. Yeah, you read that right. Something about window shopping and thrill-seeking seems to go so well together, don't you think?
Do You Think It Tastes The Same?
![watermelon a square shaped watermelon](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-11-80649.jpg?width=800&height=801)
The famous square watermelon that many of us have seen on social media. You can buy them at the grocery store in Tokyo like you would any other fruit or veggie.
Would You Drink Your Face?
![latte you can get your own picture printed on a latte](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-12-40418.jpg?width=800&height=801)
There are lots of cafés that have a machine that can take your picture and then print it onto the top of your latte! Would you drink a latte with your own face on it?
Woah, That Looks Good
![rainbow a rainbow grilled cheese](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/800-x-801-13-34004.jpg?width=800&height=801)
You can get a grilled cheese in Tokyo that has rainbow-colored cheese! What do you think that would taste like? The colors are so bright and it looks so delicious.